You’ve probably heard the old saying “if all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.” This familiar line is certainly applicable to our mindset on how we see ourselves and perceive the world.
If your definition of right and wrong is fixed, or you believe there’s only one way to approach a problem or situation, then perhaps it’s time to examine your mindset.
As you already know, I’ve reembarked on my life with music this year. When I was growing up, playing trumpet was all about being the best—turning out sparkling performances and showing off my skills and passion.
Well, here I am 50 years later and the skills and endurance have diminished. While I’m working to bring them back up to speed, I acknowledge that I’m not there yet and maybe never will be. Even something as basic as a chromatic scale used to be something my fingers knew without thinking; today, I have yet to regain that ability.
The idea that something which used to be innate is now a struggle has left me to rediscover a learning mindset. I placed a sticky note on my music stand with the words “Use Your Beginner’s Mind-Patience” to remind me that I am where I am—and not where I was.
Has your mindset aided or derailed your thinking? I would love to hear your experiences.
